Rwanda: Rape Victims

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What pressure they have exerted on the Rwandan Government to make women victims of rape by Hutu militiamen a priority for medical and welfare programmes.

Baroness Amos: DfID is addressing this issue at two levels: first, we are helping the Government of Rwanda to put in place the right framework to make health and welfare services available to all Rwandans who need them; and, secondly, we are supporting the Government of Rwanda to meet the specific needs of genocide survivors.
	DfID is concerned about the particular needs of genocide survivors, including the victims of sexual violence. Accordingly, DfID is providing direct assistance to the survivors of the genocide through the Government of Rwanda's Survivors' Fund (FARG). DfID has committed £850,000 to enable FARG to broaden the welfare services it provides to include advice and counselling on issues around HIV/AIDS.
	DfID has also committed £200,000 to provide healthcare, including provision of anti-retroviral therapy, for witnesses and others called by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Many of these witnesses were victims of rape during the genocide.
	Out of the appalling legacy of genocide, the Government of Rwanda have, over the past 10 years, made tremendous progress in developing a framework of equitable policies and institutions. Rwanda's poverty reduction strategy provides a powerful vehicle for improving the lives of Rwanda's people, and we are beginning to see real progress: although still very high, the incidence of poverty is declining; child immunisation has increased to around 90 per cent; and we are seeing falls in key indicators such as child mortality and maternal mortality.
	The British Government have worked very closely with Rwanda in recent years. DfID's assistance has steadily increased and now stands at £42 million, of which two-thirds is provided directly to the Government, while the remainder is devoted to programmes that enhance peace and reconciliation, poverty reduction and accountable governance. Our support has helped the Government of Rwanda to increase their spending on poverty reduction especially in key sectors such as health and education: for example, the Government of Rwanda nearly doubled their expenditure on health between 1999 and 2003, from 8.8 million dollars to 17.75 million dollars.

Rwanda: Rape Victims

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether Tutsi women raped by Hutu militiamen during the genocide in Rwanda have had access to HIV drugs and nutritional programmes funded by the international community; and whether their imprisoned attackers are being supported by these programmes.

Baroness Amos: I can confirm that defendants at the International Criminal Tribunal (ITC) for Rwanda have access to healthcare, including anti-retroviral treatment (ART) while witnesses and others called by the ICTR have so far had only limited access to health care. DfID is deeply concerned by this inequity. The Secretary of State for International Development last year wrote to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, asking how the United Nations and the international community could work to resolve this. Following Mr Annan's intervention, ICTR has now set up a treatment centre in Kigali to provide healthcare, including anti-retroviral treatment, for witnesses and others called by the tribunal. Many of these witnesses were victims of rape during the genocide. DfID has committed £200,000 to assist this programme.
	HIV/AIDS is a serious problem in Rwanda. Rwanda does not yet have the health infrastructure required to effectively deliver HIV/AIDS care and treatment countrywide. The Government have produced a comprehensive Strategic Framework for HIV/AIDS Control and all the major donors, including the Clinton Foundation, the Global Fund and the World Bank, have committed to support it. This framework includes the progressive provision of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) to all who need it, through a strengthened network of health centres. Rwanda is one of the countries that have reached agreement with manufacturers on significantly reduced drug prices in the context of its national HIV care and treatment plans. This has been achieved through a partnership between the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and five of the leading multinational pharmaceutical companies (the Accelerating Access to HIV/AIDS Care, Treatment and Support Initiative). This will make it quicker and more economical to reach and treat Rwandans living with HIV/AIDS, including genocide survivors. However, the rollout of care and treatment is at an early stage and so far only a small number of Rwandans have had access to anti-retroviral therapy, including some genocide survivors.
	The UK has committed £25 million through the International Partnership Against AIDS in Africa programme (IPAA) to increase capacity in certain national HIV/AIDS commissions, including Rwanda. DfID is currently considering whether we can build on this engagement, to ensure that Rwanda has the capacity to manage and direct the various programmes of support. DfID has also provided support to UNAIDS, which will shortly appoint a specialist to assist with co-ordination and monitoring of the international effort against HIV in Rwanda.

Sex Offences: Consultation

Baroness Blood: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the review of the sex offences consultation will be published by the Northern Ireland Office.

Baroness Amos: We have not yet decided when we will conclude our consideration of the consultation.

Sudan: Darfur

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What information they have on the numbers of dead and displaced in Darfur and the number of refugees in Chad; what help is being provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and whether they intend to increase the humanitarian response.

Baroness Amos: The Government are gravely concerned about the situation in Darfur. It is very difficult to establish the numbers of people who have died in Darfur, as access to the region is very limited. However, the UN estimates that there have been approximately 10,000 deaths and over 1 million displaced people within Darfur, and approximately 120,000 refugees in Chad.
	The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is providing assistance to refugees in Chad. So far it has established six camps in Chad, where 68,000 refugees are living, and has provided essential non-food items such as tents, plastic sheeting and blankets. It is also helping the refugees encamped at the boarder. The UK has given UNHCR £2 million to support this work in Chad.
	The UK is heavily engaged in the humanitarian response to this crisis. DfID is the second largest donor after the US and so far we have committed over £16.5 million to agencies working in Darfur and eastern Chad. A breakdown of these commitments is given below. In addition, DfID has seconded four humanitarian officers to support the response of Office for the Co-ordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to the crisis in Darfur and is seconding an additional three for the UN joint logistics centre. We are also paying for a despatch of non-food items (22,500 blankets and 15,000 plastic sheets) for distribution by humanitarian agencies. DfID is lobbying other donors to increase their contribution to the humanitarian response and will keep our level of assistance under continuous review.
	
		UK Government-funded Humanitarian Interventions in Darfur, Sudan
		
			 Period Agency Description Total Cost (£) 
			 Oct to Dec 2003 UNHCR Supplementary appeal for emergency assistance to Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad—2003 1,000,000 
			 Oct 2003 to Sep 
			 2004 SC-UK Emergency response to conflict-related internal displacement in north Darfur 500,000 
			 Nov to Dec 2003 ICRC Contribution to the ICRC 2003 emergency appeal for Sudan 1,000,000 
			 Nov 2003 to March   2004 WFP Additional contribution to 2003 UN appeal, due to crisis in Darfur, to provide emergency food assistance to Sudanese populations affected by war and natural disasters 2,000,000 
			 Jan to April 2004 MSF-F Emergency assistance to IDPs in Darfur—through increasing access to health care in conflict areas, disease prevention, halting nutritional deterioration and treating malnourished children 491,369 
			 Jan to Dec 2004 MSF-H Darfur components of emergency health interventions in northern Sudan project 650,000 
			 Feb to Dec 2004 UNICEF Emergency assistance to humanitarian crisis in Darfur for health; water supply; water and environmental sanitation; relief and shelter items; and the protection of children 1,000,000 
			 Feb to Nov 2004 GOAL Emergency assistance to population in Kutum province, north Darfur—through a combined health, nutrition and shelter intervention 575,963 
			 March to Dec 2004 ACF Emergency nutrition programme in north Darfur 250,000 
			 March to Dec 2004 WFP Emergency distribution of food aid commodities to Sudanese refugees in north-east Chad 1,000,000 
			 March 2004 to Jan   2005 UNHCR Emergency assistance to Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad 1,000,000 
			 April to Dec 2004 OXFAM Public health humanitarian response Darfur (water/sanitation programme) 2,193,161 
			 May to Dec 2004 WFP Emergency purchase and distribution of food aid for internally displaced Sudanese in Darfur 2,000,000 
			 May to Nov 2004 WHO Emergency primary health care and response to communicable diseases in Darfur; support to measles vaccination programme 1,500,000 
			 May to Dec 2004 UNICEF Additional support to humanitarian assistance for crisis in Darfur; emergency nutrition; emergency health care and the protection of children 1,500,000 
			 May to July 2004 UNJLC Support to enable UNJLC to co-ordinate the logistics of an effective humanitarian response in Darfur 250,000 
			   Total 16,910,493

Africa: HIV/AIDS

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, in aid programmes for Africa, and in their discussions with relevant governments, priority is being given to the needs of children suffering from HIV/AIDS and of those orphaned by the disease.

Baroness Amos: The response of the Department for International Development (DfID) to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) is being stepped up. DfID is working with partners at the global level on advocacy and supporting evidence-based best practice. At the national level, ensuring effective policy and programme responses to the needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS is a high priority for us and for the achievement of the millennium development goals (MDGs).
	DfID recognises the urgent need to accelerate support for children affected by HIV/AIDS. The new UK strategy on HIV/AIDS will present a clear position on orphans and vulnerable children, which DfID expects to be a key priority. DfID's new policy of HIV/AIDS treatment and care will also have implications for the response to OVCs made vulnerable because of HIV/AIDS through the prolongation of life for parents, guardians and for children.
	DfID is increasingly incorporating OVC perspectives into country programming. For example, DfID has supported government responses to OVCs in Malawi and Zimbabwe. In the former, DfID has been working to ensure that social protection measures for families affected by HIV/AIDS are integrated into the poverty reduction strategies (PRSP). These measures included targeted nutrition and cash transfers, legislation on inheritance and the introduction of less intensive crops to affected households.
	DfID endorses the Strategic Framework for the Protection, Care and Support of Orphans and Children made Vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. DfID will be working closely with development partners at country level to help to operationalise the approaches recommended. In preparing our new HIV/AIDS strategy DfID will be considering ways in which we can better work with partners to support governments in their efforts to develop national policies, legislation, planning and programmes for OVCs and their care givers. DfID shall be advocating with governments that they appropriately prioritise the allocation of resources for OVCs. DfID is also considering how we can best assist governments in improving the monitoring of the results of OVC interventions.
	DfID will work with development partners to ensure strengthened and sustained support for community-based responses to care and support of OVCs. DfID sees this as a key element in the national HIV/AIDS response and has already signalled in the UK call for action that we will be working closely with the United States in countries in Africa starting with Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. This will provide opportunities to collaborate in improving support for OVCs in those countries.
	At the global level DfID will continue to participate in the global partners forum for children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, which is convened by UNICEF. This has enabled the development of the strategic framework, the sharing of information, better co-ordination of global efforts and strengthening of advocacy. In addition, DfID will advocate effective strategic action for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS through existing international development processes such as education for all (EFA), the EFA fast track initiative and the WHO/UNAIDS 3X5 (3 million people on treatment by 2005) initiative.
	Finally, DfID is calling for stronger political direction in the fight against HIV/AIDS. DfID will make HIV/AIDS a centrepiece of our presidencies of the G8 and EU in 2005. DfID anticipates that this will include opportunities for addressing issues concerning children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. DfID sees the need for better funding, including raising our own commitments. DfID will make HIV/AIDS a priority for the extra £320 million the UK will be devoting to Africa by 2006 and the new UK government strategy will set out policy guidance.

Sudan: Debt Relief

The Duke of Montrose: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What conditions would need to be met, beyond the cessation of hostile activities, in order for the Government to press for the implementation of the heavily indebted poor countries debt relief process for the Sudan.

Baroness Amos: To be eligible for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative a country must be eligible only for highly concessional assistance from the International Development Association (IDA)—the part of the World Bank that lends on highly concessional terms—and from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s poverty reduction and growth facility. Countries with an income per capita of 865 dollars or less are currently eligible. They must face an unsustainable debt situation even after the full application of traditional debt relief mechanisms (such as application of Naples terms under the Paris Club agreement). To enter the initiative, the eligible country must be in peace, have an established record of good macroeconomic management; and have a policy performance record with the World Bank and IMF.
	A framework peace agreement was signed in Nairobi by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement on 5 June 2004, bringing closer an end to the country's 21-year civil war between north and south. Any formal steps on normalising financial relations with the international community will not take place until a comprehensive peace agreement has been finalised. Furthermore, the international community will find it hard to move forward on debt relief for Sudan while there is conflict in Darfur, western Sudan.
	Once a comprehensive peace agreement is in place, Sudan will have to negotiate a rights accumulation programme (RAP) with the IMF. This will allow them to establish a record of good macroeconomic management and a policy performance record with the World Bank and IMF. The duration of the RAP will have to be negotiated with the final decision resting with the executive board of the IMF. Following the RAP it is expected that Sudan will clear its arrears to the IMF and World Bank, which would allow those institutions to have normal lending programmes with Sudan. Before Sudan can enter the HIPC initiative, it will also have to reach agreements with its other creditors to repay or reschedule its arreas. In particular it will have to come to agreement with Paris Club creditors.
	Sudan is also required to prepare an interim poverty reduction strategy paper (i-PRSP) before it reaches HIPC decision point and begins to receive interim debt relief. A draft i-PRSP is under preparation by the Government of Sudan but it does not as yet include the needs of southern Sudan.
	While it is difficult to estimate precisely when decision point for Sudan will be, it is unlikely that it could be reached much before end 2005. However, G8 leaders agreed last week to work to extend the HIPC sunset clause beyond December 2004 by two years. This should allow eligible HIPC countries—including those emerging from conflict such as Sudan—to benefit from HIPC debt relief, once they have met the criteria. Completion point of the HIPC initiative (at which debt relief is provided irrevocably) could occur within two to four years of decision point.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will seek to persuade the organisers of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2004 to withdraw their invitation to a band from the Chinese army.

Lord Bach: The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a leading element of the city's cultural festival. As an entertainment event, however, it seeks to make no political or moral statement.
	The decision to invite a Chinese army band was taken by the Tattoo Board only after careful consideration of the human rights situation in China, on the basis that engagement through cultural activities would be beneficial. The participation of the band in the Tattoo in no way implies support by Her Majesty's Government for any past actions by the People's Liberation Army.
	We remain deeply concerned about human rights abuses in China and monitor the situation closely. We regularly raise our concerns with the Chinese Government.

Olympic Games 2012: London Bid

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the financial package negotiated with Barbara Cassani in her new role as one of the vice-chairmen of the London 2012 Olympic Bid includes the same remuneration she received as chairman of the bid; and whether they will provide details of the agreed terms and conditions for all the vice-Chairmen.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: Barbara Cassani's financial package in her new role as vice-chairman includes the same remuneration she received as chairman of the bid as she continues to fulfil a senior executive role at London 2012 at the same level of three days per week. Of the remaining two vice-chairmen:
	Charles Allen does not receive remuneration and has no specific time commitments required; and
	Alan Pascoe is the chairman and a shareholder of Fast Track Sales Ltd which provides consultancy services to London 2012. These services include Mr Pascoe's role as vice-chairman. Fast Track Sales Ltd receives £6,250 per month for the provision of services of Alan Pascoe and Sara Morland, each of whom works two days per week for London 2012.

Olympic Games 2012: London Bid

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether there has been any change in policy following the statement by the Prime Minister on 25 May that in response to the International Olympic Committee Report on London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games "we are committed to Crossrail and the other major London projects"; and when they intend to announce the funding requirements and parliamentary timetable necessary to ensure completion of Crossrail in time for the Games in 2012; and.
	Whether there has been any change in policy following the statement from the Minister for Transport, Mr Tony McNulty on 25 May (HC Deb, col. 410WH) that "The notion still put about by mischievous and irresponsible parties that Crossrail was ever part of the Olympic bid is nonsense, and it always was."

Lord Davies of Oldham: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given to him on 26 May 2004 [Official Report, col. WA 148].

Road Bridge Expansion Joints

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What United Kingdom standards are applied by the Department for Transport to road bridge expansion joints with regard to noise generated by road traffic crossing the structure; and whether these standards have changed since 1984.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The standard used by the Highways Agency for the design of road bridge expansion joints on the motorway and trunk road network in England is "BD33/94—Expansion Joints for Use in Highway Bridge Decks" published in 1994. The current standard, and earlier versions, has no requirements covering noise generated by road traffic crossing over bridge expansion joints. The correct installation and maintenance of bridge expansion joints helps to minimise the noise generated by road traffic crossing over them.

Deafblind People

Lord Ashley of Stoke: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which local authorities have not replied to the Government's request for information following the publication of Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults LAC (2001) 8; and
	How many, and what proportion of, local authorities have:
	(a) identified and made contact with deafblind people in their care;
	(b) assessed the needs of deafblind people;
	(c) provided appropriate services to deafblind people;
	(d) provided one-to-one support for deafblind people; and
	(e) one member of senior management with responsibility for deafblind services.

Lord Warner: All local authorities in England have replied to questions asked in their autumn delivery and improvement statement for 2003. 148 local authorities (98.7 per cent of authorities in England) have identified a senior manager responsible for deafblindness and 64 (42.7 per cent) provide services specifically appropriate for people with dual sensory loss.
	The deafblind voluntary organisation, Sense, also conducts its own annual survey of authorities in England and Wales. In 2003, Sense had responses from 62 authorities in England and eight in Wales. According to Sense, those 70 authorities in England and Wales had identified 8,172 deafblind people. Only one council had identified no deafblind people. Sense also states that 19 per cent of councils have intervenor services and that 41 per cent provide guide communicator services.

Orchards

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Answer by the Lord Whitty on 28 April (HL Deb, col. 770) that most traditional orchards are already under countryside stewardship schemes, what is their response to the estimate of the local authority that less than 30 per cent of traditional orchards in Somerset are in such schemes.

Lord Whitty: My earlier Answer was based on the land area described as "non-commercial orchard" in the June 2003 Agricultural Census. In England there were 3,465 ha of such land of which 2,408 ha are currently being managed as "traditional orchard" under the Countryside Stewardship scheme. Within Somerset, the census showed 193 ha of non-commercial orchard of which 170 ha (88 per cent) are within the scheme. We hope to encourage further areas of traditional orchards to join our new Environmental Stewardship scheme which, subject to EU approval, will be introduced next year.

Orchards

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they intend to seek a derogation for traditional orchards so that they do not have to comply with the "permanent crops" rules under the single farm payment.

Lord Whitty: Under Commission guidance relating to existing schemes, grazing land within orchards may qualify for payments subject to certain conditions. This recognises the conservation value of traditional orchards.
	The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in discussion with English Nature, is drawing up a proposal to put to the Commission for the current guidance to continue for the new scheme.